Supplement Smarts for Cholesterol and Triglycerides

When you’re trying to lower cholesterol or triglycerides, you may end up in a vitamin shop, facing dozens of supplements. Which ones are worth a try?

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Fish oil. These supplements help lower triglyceride levels by as much as 30%, thanks to omega-3s they have in them like EPA and DHA.

You’ll need a high dose - 2-4 grams of fish oils EPA and DHA per day. It may be tough to get that amount from supplements. If your triglycerides are very high, your doctor may recommend a prescription fish oil.

Some people are concerned about high levels of mercury or other pollutants when picking out fish oil supplements. The actual amount of fish oil and how well it’s absorbed in your body is also important. Ask your doctor about safe and effective ones to try.

Psyllium.Fiber is a great cholesterol-buster and part of a healthy diet. Fiber also helps lower triglycerides and total cholesterol, especially for people with type 2 diabetes. If you don’t, or can't, get enough fiber from foods -- like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains -- psyllium can fill in the gaps. It’ll whisk away cholesterol, but like other fiber, it can make you need to go to bathroom more often or cause constipation if you don’t also increase your water intake.

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Coenzyme Q10. This powerful antioxidant can lower bad LDL cholesterol's ability to stick to the blood vessels of mice. However, scientists say that more research is needed to confirm whether it can work in humans.

So, what about it does work? If you’re taking a statin to lower your cholesterol and having muscle pain as a side effect, there is some proof that coenzyme Q10 can help ease it.

Garlic.Garlic supplements slightly lowered total and LDL cholesterol levels in a few small studies. But overall, the evidence doesn’t seem to support garlic as an effective way to lower cholesterol.